Dod's $26.9M BIG Safari Contract Awarded to Tate, Incorporated for R&D Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,895,646 ($26.9M)
Contractor: Tate, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-04-01
End Date: 2023-03-31
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.9 million to TATE, INCORPORATED for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Contract value of $26.9 million for R&D services. 2. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, indicating a focus on advanced technological development. 3. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential price discovery and value. 4. The sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical area for innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Without competition, it's difficult to benchmark pricing against similar services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could mean taxpayers are paying more than necessary for these R&D services.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of the Air Force. Potential for technological advancements that could have long-term national security implications. Lack of transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D for the Air Force
- Potential for technological innovation
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication in the provided data whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The non-competed nature of this award warrants closer oversight to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and that costs are managed effectively throughout the contract duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated costs due to sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type increases risk of overspending
- Limited transparency in procurement process
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.9 million to TATE, INCORPORATED. BIG SAFARI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TATE, INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-01. End: 2023-03-31.
What specific R&D activities are encompassed by the BIG SAFARI contract, and how do they align with the Air Force's strategic objectives?
The 'BIG SAFARI' program typically refers to a portfolio of rapid acquisition programs for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. While the specific R&D activities are not detailed, they likely involve developing or enhancing technologies related to data collection, processing, analysis, or dissemination for ISR missions, directly supporting the Air Force's intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness goals.
Given the sole-source award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the fixed fee is fair and reasonable, and to mitigate potential cost escalations?
For Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts awarded sole-source, the government typically relies on robust cost analysis and negotiation with the contractor. This involves reviewing the contractor's proposed costs, profit margins, and the basis for the fixed fee. Mechanisms to mitigate cost escalations include detailed work breakdown structures, performance metrics, and regular audits to ensure adherence to the contract's scope and budget.
What is the expected return on investment or tangible outcome from this $26.9 million R&D expenditure, and how will its effectiveness be measured?
The effectiveness of R&D spending is often measured by the successful development and integration of new technologies or capabilities that enhance mission performance. For BIG SAFARI, tangible outcomes could include improved ISR platforms, advanced analytical tools, or enhanced data fusion capabilities. Success metrics would likely be tied to program milestones, prototype performance, and eventual operational deployment and effectiveness in supporting Air Force intelligence requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1800 DIAGONAL RD STE 520, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,144,262
Exercised Options: $27,144,262
Current Obligation: $26,895,646
Actual Outlays: $3,957,399
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4022
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-01
Current End Date: 2023-03-31
Potential End Date: 2023-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-15
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